Roscoe "Butch" Fortner

Roscoe “Butch” Fortner, 75, a resident of Philadelphia, TN died peacefully at his home. He was born and originally from Huntington, WV. He was born on February 20, 1944 a son of the late Thomas and Millie Fortner. Butch was an honorably discharged veteran of the U. S. Army. He was known for always joking and trying to make people laugh. Butch loved fishing, working puzzles and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by four siblings Delores Smith, Bellverine Zirkle, Charlotte Fortner and Oretha Fortner.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his spouse of 38 years Gladys Swisher, six children: Bobby Swisher (Rhonda), Rhonda Taylor, Todd Swisher (Whitnee), Demetrius Swisher (Broute), Tasha Cahoon (Adrian) and Rosza Branson (John), six siblings: Howard Fortner, Roy Fortner, Mary Stevenson, Kathy Forrester, Marlene Mclillie and Tommy Fortner, special brother in law Glenn Mclillie, 25 grandchildren and one on the way, 39 great grandchildren and one on the way, numerous other extended family members and a host of special friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the Athens chapel of Companion Funeral Home located at 400 S White Street in Athens, TN. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM service at the funeral home.
You are encouraged to share a memory of Butch and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.